Beauty and Clarity: Should You Apply Makeup Before or After Contacts?

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Makeup is a beauty essential for many people, helping to enhance and transform our appearance. However, for those who wear contact lenses, figuring out when to apply makeup can be a bit of a dilemma. Should you put on your makeup before or after your contacts? It’s a question that has sparked numerous debates and confusion among makeup lovers and contact lens users alike. If you’re struggling to find the right answer, fear not! In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of both options to help you determine the best approach for your makeup routine. So, let’s settle this once and for all – should you put makeup on before or after contacts? Let’s find out.

The Importance of Proper Contact Lens Care and Use

Contact lenses have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional glasses. Not only do contact lenses provide clearer vision, but they also offer the convenience of not having to wear glasses. However, with the increased use of contact lenses comes the responsibility of proper care and use. One aspect that many contact lens wearers may not think about is whether they should put makeup on before or after inserting their contacts. The answer is not as straightforward as one may think, and it’s essential to understand the importance of proper contact lens care and use when it comes to makeup application.

To start, using contact lenses requires daily cleaning and disinfecting to prevent any potential eye infections or damage. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, improper care and use of contact lenses have been linked to serious eye infections such as corneal ulcers, which can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Therefore, understanding how makeup application can affect your contact lenses’ cleanliness and integrity is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes.

Makeup Before Contacts: Pros and Cons

Some people may find it more convenient to apply their makeup before putting in their contacts. Doing this ensures that your contacts remain clean from any makeup residue that may transfer from your hands onto the lenses during insertion. It’s also easier for those who require vision correction when applying makeup since they can see better with their glasses on before swapping them out for their contacts.

However, there are a few cons to putting on makeup before inserting your contacts. For one, applying eye makeup like eyeliner or eyeshadow close to the lash line can increase the risk of getting particles trapped behind your contact lens, causing discomfort and potential irritation. Additionally, mascara residue can easily get onto your fingers while applying it, which can then transfer onto your contacts during insertion.

Makeup After Contacts: Pros and Cons

The general rule of thumb for contact lens wearers is to put their contacts in before applying makeup. This is because the contact lens can act as a barrier between your eyes and the makeup, preventing any potential irritation or residue transfer. Additionally, putting your contacts in first also allows you to see better while applying your makeup, making it easier to achieve an even application.

However, one of the potential cons of applying makeup after inserting your contact lenses is that there is a higher risk of getting bacteria or dust particles from your surroundings onto your lenses. This can happen if you are not careful and keep your eyes closed while applying certain products like powders or sprays. To prevent this, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts and keep them closed or covered while applying makeup.

Best Practices for Makeup Application with Contact Lenses

Now that we have covered the pros and cons of putting on makeup before or after inserting contact lenses let’s go over some best practices to ensure healthy eyes and well-maintained contacts.

1. Always Wash Your Hands: Before handling your contact lenses, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid transferring any dirt or bacteria onto them.

2. Use Oil-Free Makeup Products: To minimize the risk of getting particles trapped behind your contacts, opt for oil-free eye makeup products that are less likely to cause irritation.

3. Avoid Applying Mascara on Your Lower Lashes: Applying mascara on your lower lashes can increase the risk of getting mascara residue on your fingers, which can then transfer onto your lenses during insertion. If you must apply mascara on your lower lashes, be extra cautious and use a gentle hand.

4. Do Not Share Your Makeup: Sharing eye makeup products with others can also increase the risk of bacterial contamination not only for yourself but also for others you share with.

5. Follow Proper Contact Lens Care and Replacement Schedule: Even with proper makeup application, it’s crucial to follow the recommended contact lens care and replacement schedule to prevent any potential eye infections or discomfort from old contacts.

In conclusion, whether you put makeup on before or after inserting your contacts depends on personal preference and convenience. However, it’s essential to consider the potential pros and cons for both methods and be mindful of best practices when it comes to makeup application with contact lenses. Remember always to prioritize proper contact lens care and use to maintain healthy eyes and vision. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, consult with your eye doctor for guidance.

The Importance of Proper Makeup Application with Contact Lenses

Makeup has become an essential part of our daily routine, especially for women. It helps us enhance our natural features and boost our confidence. However, for those who wear contact lenses, applying makeup can be a bit tricky. One common question that often arises is whether to put on makeup before or after contact lenses. The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It all depends on personal preference and proper application techniques.

Applying Makeup Before Contact Lenses

Some people prefer to apply makeup before putting on their contact lenses. This method works well if you are using oil-based or cream-based products. Oil-based products can leave a residue on your fingers, making it difficult to handle your contact lenses without getting them dirty or causing discomfort to your eyes.

Another advantage of applying makeup before inserting your contact lenses is the time factor. By doing so, you can take as much time as you need without feeling rushed or worrying about getting your contacts in before they start drying out.

However, it’s crucial to remember that even if you apply makeup before contacts, there’s still a possibility that some particles may get onto the lens during application. And if by any chance they do end up on your contacts, it’s essential to take them out and clean them thoroughly before wearing them again.

Applying Makeup After Contact Lenses

On the other hand, some individuals prefer putting on makeup after wearing their contact lenses. This method eliminates any risk of getting makeup particles onto the lens during application and potentially causing discomfort or irritation to the eyes.

Additionally, if you are using powder-based makeup products, applying them after lenses may be a more suitable option as they have less chance of transferring onto the lenses compared to creams or oils.

One important thing to note when applying makeup after contact lenses is to ensure that your hands are clean and dry. Dirty or wet fingers can increase the risk of transferring bacteria to the lenses, and this can lead to eye infections or discomfort.

Tips for Applying Makeup with Contact Lenses

Regardless of whether you choose to put on makeup before or after contact lenses, there are a few essential tips that every lens wearer should keep in mind.

First and foremost, always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. This will help prevent any bacteria from getting onto the lenses and causing irritation or infection.

Next, remember to use oil-free products when doing your eye makeup. Oil-based products can break down the silicone in contact lenses and cause them to lose their shape, resulting in blurred vision and discomfort. Look for products that are specifically labeled “contact lens-safe” to ensure they won’t cause any issues for your eyes.

It’s also important to be gentle when handling your contact lenses. Avoid rubbing or pulling on them while applying makeup as this can cause them to shift around on your eyes, leading to blurred vision and discomfort.

Some additional tips include avoiding waterproof mascara as it can be challenging to remove without pulling on your lashes (and possibly your contacts) and using non-glittery eyeshadow as glitter particles can easily stick onto the lenses.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, whether you choose to apply makeup before or after contact lenses is entirely up to personal preference. The most crucial factor is proper application techniques and being mindful of not getting any makeup particles onto the lenses.

Remember always to wash your hands before handling your contacts, use oil-free products labeled as safe for contacts, and be gentle when applying eye makeup. With these tips in mind, you can confidently show off a flawless makeup look while still wearing your contacts comfortably!

1. Should I put on makeup before or after putting in my contacts?
Answer: It is strongly recommended to put on makeup after putting in your contacts to avoid any contact between the two and prevent any eye irritation.

2. Is it safe to put on makeup before inserting my contacts?
Answer: No, it is not safe to put on makeup before inserting contacts as it can lead to possible contamination and cause irritation or infection.

3. What are the risks of putting on makeup before wearing contacts?
Answer: Putting on makeup before wearing contacts can increase the risk of eye infection, damage to the contact lenses, and discomfort caused by contact lens movement due to the presence of makeup particles.

4. Can I wear contacts after applying eye cream or lotion?
Answer: It is not recommended to wear contacts immediately after applying eye cream or lotion as it can cause buildup between the lens and your eye, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems.

5. How long should I wait after applying makeup before putting in my contacts?
Answer: It is best to wait at least 15-20 minutes after applying makeup before inserting your contact lenses. This allows enough time for all products to dry and reduces the risk of contamination.

6. Is there a specific order in which I should apply my eye makeup if I wear contacts?
Answer: Yes, you should always apply your eye makeup first (including eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara) followed by your face makeup. This helps prevent any transfer of product onto your contact lenses during application.

In conclusion, the decision of whether to put on makeup before or after contacts ultimately depends on personal preference and comfort level. However, there are some important factors to consider when making this decision.

Firstly, it is crucial to properly clean and care for your contacts before putting them in. This ensures the safety and health of your eyes. Therefore, if you are someone who likes to wear makeup daily, it may be more convenient to put on your contacts first before applying makeup.

On the other hand, wearing contacts can make applying eye makeup more challenging as it can cause smudging or irritation. If you are someone who prefers a more intricate and detailed eye makeup look, it may be advisable to put on makeup after your contacts are in place.

Another important factor to consider is the type of contact lenses you wear. If you wear soft daily disposable lenses, putting on makeup after inserting contacts may be a better option as these lenses have a higher risk of tearing or folding if exposed to harsh chemicals or rubbing during application.

Moreover, it is essential to choose gentle and oil-free makeup products when wearing contacts to avoid any eye irritation or discomfort. It may also be helpful to use hypoallergenic products if you have sensitive eyes.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to prioritize good hygiene

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.